Virginia Welcomes 
Every Rider to Be Part of Something Greater

Sharon is the owner and operator of Riva Ridge Farm in Reva, Virginia. Since beginning her equestrian career in 1993, she and her husband, Chip, have developed and managed successful facilities, including the former Blacks Hill Stables in Great Falls. With over 30 years of experience, Sharon brings a deep commitment to horsemanship and equitation. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes safety, skill, and fun, and she is passionate about guiding young riders as they grow into the next generation of confident, knowledgeable horsewomen.

A respected leader in Virginia's equine industry, serving as the President of the Virginia Equine Alliance, the organization responsible for passing the Historic Horse Racing legislation that led to the reopening of Colonial Downs. Through her role, she works tirelessly to advance the interests of horse owners, breeders, and industry professionals, advocating for policies and initiatives that support the growth of Virginia’s equine industry. Debbie’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among various equine organizations, ensuring a strong, unified voice for the Commonwealth’s horse industry.

Gail Rezendes-Dell is a successful amateur hunter rider competing in the Mid-Atlantic region with her Oldenburg, The Best Man. She is the Co-Founder of Show Ring Essentials, an equestrian brand dedicated to enhancing the horse show experience. Originally from New Jersey, Gail grew up riding horses and participating in 4-H. She attended college in Virginia and has since made McLean, Virginia her home, where she raised her family and continues to pursue her passion for horses.

David owns and operates DreamLands Farm in Virginia with his wife, Carol. The couple specializes in breeding, selling and showing Paint Horses; they also stand LAA Heza Deluxe, a 1999 palomino tobiano stallion. Active in the Virginia Paint Community, David served as president of the Virginia Paint Horse Club from 2011 to 2016 and now continues as the director.

Amy is the current President of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. Raised in North Carolina, she spent her youth riding show horses and later began working with Thoroughbreds, galloping horses and assisting in sales. She stepped away from the horse world for nearly three decades to pursue a legal career in Washington, D.C., while living in nearby Alexandria, Virginia. Over the course of her legal career, she advised some of the world’s largest multinational companies on tax, ERISA, health care, and employment law matters, with a focus on compensation and benefit programs. She was recognized as one of the top 20 employee benefits lawyers in the country. Upon retiring from law, Amy returned to her rural roots and, in 2015, settled at South Gate — a 126-acre farm in Millwood, Virginia.

Ernie has led EMO Stables LLC as managing partner and CEO for over five decades. Inspired by his grandfather’s love of horses, he founded Commander Horse Transport Company, which he later sold before taking on leadership roles as Vice President of Warrenton Wholesale, Inc. and President of the EMO Group. He is also the founder and president of the Virginia Horseman Foundation. A respected figure in the industry, Ernie has been featured in The Chronicle of the Horse and honored with induction into the Virginia Horse Show Association Hall of Fame, the Horseman of the Year title, and the Andrew Montgomery Award.

Oliver grew up on his family’s 75-year-old farm in Rappahannock County and began hunting with the Rappahannock Hunt in 1956. He went on to serve as huntsman for 20 years. A lifelong advocate for youth and education in the horse world, he remains active in his community’s 4-H program and is a leader in the Culpeper County Horse Program, founded by his father in 1961. Oliver is a firm believer in the importance of education within the equine industry.

Beth is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Masters in Agriculture Education. After graduation, she was the Assistant Equestrian coach here under “T” McDonald and managed the Campbell facility. Pursuing her coaching career, Beth was the head coach for the University of Mary Washington IHSA team for several years prior to coaching and instructing at Bridgewater College. During this time, she coached a 7th and 5th place overall Hunt Seat Equitation team and several individual National Champions. She returned to Virginia Tech in 2016 to be a faculty member, as she is an avid Hokie at heart.